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FL H1579
Bill
Status
Failed
6/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
Fentrice Driskell
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates the "Farming Community Connectivity Innovation Act" (s. 288.9964, F.S.), establishing a state-funded grant program within the Florida Office of Broadband to fund broadband infrastructure projects in underserved farming communities, capped at $50 million annually
- Eligible grant applicants include public-private partnerships, local governments, and cooperative organizations, with funding priority given to public-private partnerships and cooperatives; recipients must submit annual progress reports on milestones, expenditures, and broadband access improvements
- Provides state tax credits of up to $10,000 annually for farmers in underserved farming communities who purchase, install, or maintain broadband-enabled technologies such as precision farming, smart irrigation, and automated machinery
- Requires the Florida Office of Broadband to conduct performance audits of grant funds, run public awareness campaigns about available grants and tax credits, and provide technical training programs to help farmers adopt broadband-enabled technologies
- Takes effect July 1, 2025, and expires December 31, 2030, unless extended or amended by the Legislature
Legislative Description
Farming Community High-speed Broadband Development Incentives
Last Action
Died in Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
6/16/2025
Committee Referrals
Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee3/5/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available